EMILY FRAZIERI

Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of a quaint countryside, I was a child who reveled in the magic of bedtime stories. The setting couldn't have been more idyllic—a family farm painted with vibrant greens and shimmering golden fields. Under the watchful eye of a wise and warm great aunt, it was there that the seeds of storytelling were sown in my young heart. Every night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, my great aunt would weave captivating tales that whisked me away to far-off lands, enchanted forests, and mystical realms. Her words danced in the air, carrying me on adventures with brave knights, mischievous fairies, and talking animals. I cherished those moments, longing to preserve them forever. In the following years, life unfolded, leading me to college and a path toward Business Management. But fate works in mysterious ways, and during those academic years, a destiny intertwined with passion when an English teacher recognized the flicker of storytelling talent hidden within me. Encouraged by her words, I began to dream of a new chapter in my life—one filled with the enchantment of words and the art of storytelling. After treading the path of a fulfilling career in Human Services management for over three decades, I decided it was time to answer the call of my heart. With the glow of retirement embracing me, I knew it was the perfect time to embark on an extraordinary journey—to turn the cherished bedtime stories of my childhood into a remembrance book, a treasure trove of magic and wonder, for my beloved grandchildren. Under the canopy of twinkling stars and moonlit nights, I set out to bring those timeless tales to life on paper. Each word I penned embodied the laughter, love, and wisdom my great aunt had bestowed upon me. The characters danced once more, their adventures unfolding like the petals of a blooming flower. The childhood memories, the joy of storytelling, and the love for my grandchildren fueled every pen stroke. The process was a labor of love—an enchanting dance between nostalgia and creation. And as the final chapter of the remembrance book came to a close, a sense of profound fulfillment washed over me. I knew that my great aunt's legacy would live on, not only in my heart but also in the hearts of future generations. With the last word written, I gazed at the completed masterpiece—the remembrance book of bedtime stories. Its pages held the power to ignite young imaginations, foster dreams, and kindle the spark of wonder in every child who turned its pages. It was a tribute to my roots, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a legacy of love to my dearest grandchildren. And so, as I tenderly closed the book, I felt profound gratitude for the journey that had led me here. For within the humble covers of that book lay the very essence of my heart—a gift that would endure, just like the magic of bedtime stories that once enchanted a child on a family farm so many moons ago.